Endura Pro SL Bib Shorts Review 2026: EGM, Long Leg and Women’s Compared
Endura’s Pro SL range has long been the benchmark for serious cyclists who want race-level padding and Italian power Lycra compression without the full Team Movistar price tag. The 2026 range offers three distinct options for triathletes — the EGM Bibshorts, the EGM Long Leg, and the Women’s Pro SL — all stocked and available on Tredz. Here’s how they compare.
What to Look For in Triathlon Cycling Bib Shorts
For triathlon training, bib shorts need to perform differently from pure road cycling shorts. You’ll ride for 45 minutes to 5+ hours across training rides, spend time in the aero position, and often follow cycling with a run — which means transition speed and post-ride comfort matter alongside saddle time padding. Key factors: chamois thickness and shape, compression level, fabric breathability, and whether the bib straps interfere with your race kit setup.
Key Features to Consider
- Chamois quality — Endura uses their 700-series chamois across the Pro SL range, with antibacterial treatment and three pad width options (narrow, medium, wide) so you can match it to your sit bone width.
- Italian power Lycra with Coldblack — The fabric combines compression with UV protection and heat reflection — important for long summer training rides where direct sun exposure builds significantly.
- Leg gripper design — The raw-edge leg grippers with inner silicone printing keep the shorts in place during efforts without creating pressure points or roll-down on long climbs.
- Bib strap fit — The Pro SL uses a comfortable mesh bib that sits well under a tri suit or base layer without bunching. It’s designed to be worn directly against the skin for cycling performance.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Endura Pro SL EGM Bibshorts (£119.99)
The standard-length EGM Bibshorts are the sweet spot of the range — premium chamois, Italian Lycra, and a refined fit that works for everything from 45-minute quality turbo sessions to 4-hour long rides. The three chamois width options mean you can genuinely dial in the fit rather than accepting a generic pad. Ideal for triathletes training primarily in shorts-length kit through the spring and summer months.
Best for Long Rides: Endura Pro SL EGM Bibshorts Long Leg (£129.99)
The long leg version adds extra thigh coverage for UV protection on extended outdoor rides, and many triathletes find the extended leg length reduces chafing from saddle contact during 3+ hour sessions. If you’re doing long ride weeks in summer with several back-to-back days, the additional coverage pays off. Ten pounds more than the standard version — worth it for long-course athletes.
Best for Women: Endura Pro SL Women’s Cycling Bib Shorts (from £70.00)
The women’s Pro SL features a women-specific chamois shape and bib strap configuration that avoids the chest pressure common in unisex designs. The DS (Dynamic Stretch) panel on the rear improves comfort in the aero position — a genuine consideration for triathlon training. Starting from £70 on Tredz makes these among the best value performance bib shorts for women training seriously.
Buying Tips
- Order based on your sit bone measurement, not your clothing size. Endura offers three chamois widths (Narrow, Standard, Wide) — getting this right makes the biggest difference to long-ride comfort.
- Avoid cycling bib shorts with thick, road-focused padding for triathlon training — they create a heavy, wet mess in T1 after an open water swim. The Pro SL’s medium-density chamois is appropriate for both training rides and non-wetsuit practice swims.
- Check Tredz regularly for multi-buy discounts — stocking two pairs allows you to rotate on consecutive training days without the same pair being in the wash.
Care and Maintenance
Wash at 30°C inside out with a sports-specific detergent — avoid fabric softener, which degrades the Lycra compression over time. Line dry only; tumble drying breaks down the chamois foam and shortens the life of the bib significantly. A well-cared-for pair of Pro SL Bibshorts should last 2-3 seasons of regular use before the padding begins to compress permanently.
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